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United States drones struck in Pakistan's restive Waziristan tribal region for the third consecutive day on Thursday, killing seven suspected militants, officials said.
The Central Intelligence Agency-operated spy planes fired four missiles at a terrorist hideout in Razmak area, 60 km from Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan Agency, TV news channels quoted Pakistani officials as saying.
Seven suspected militants were killed in the attack though it could not be immediately ascertained which Taliban faction they belonged to. At least 16 suspected terrorists were killed on Wednesday when US drones fired a barrage of missiles at a sprawling compound in Sararogha area of South Waziristan Agency.
The compound was a base for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, officials said.
On Tuesday, six suspected terrorists were killed when a US drone targeted a compound in North Waziristan Agency. According to a count by CNN, Thursday's drone strike was the 64th this year, compared to 111 in 2010.
The frequency of drone strikes has increased since President Barack Obama took office in 2008. The US has described North Waziristan as the main safe haven for al Qaeda and Taliban elements.